₹65-Crore Makeover Set to Recast Bhongir Fort as Tourism Icon

The Telangana government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the historic Bhongir Fort into a world-class heritage tourism destination, with works worth nearly ₹65 crore currently underway. During a field inspection of the project on Monday, Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao reviewed the progress of key infrastructure and conservation initiatives aimed at reviving one of the state's most iconic historical sites.

Accompanied by senior officials, the minister inspected the construction of the proposed ropeway system , parking facilities, visitor amenities, rest areas, children's recreation zones, cafeteria, interpretation centre and restoration works being undertaken across the fort complex. He directed officials to expedite execution and ensure the project is completed by October 2 .

Addressing the media, Krishna Rao said the government is committed to restoring the fort's former glory while preserving its historical character. Built in the 11th century by Western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI , Bhongir Fort is regarded as one of South India's most distinctive hill forts, perched atop a massive monolithic rock that dominates the surrounding landscape.

The minister said the government envisions developing the site on the lines of Kerala's famous Jatayu Nature Park , turning it into a major attraction for domestic and international tourists. He noted that Telangana aims to emerge as a leading destination for heritage, cultural and spiritual tourism by 2047, supported by a new tourism policy designed to attract private investment through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model .

A major highlight of the project is the ₹56.81-crore Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone , sanctioned under the Centre's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The project includes a 1,020-metre-long passenger ropeway being developed at a cost of ₹17.91 crore. Designed using a monocable jig-back system, the ropeway will feature six cabins and one reserve cabin, with the capacity to transport up to 300 visitors per hour to the hilltop fort.

The remaining investment will focus on heritage restoration and tourism infrastructure , including internal roads, parking facilities, electric vehicle services, charging stations, viewing galleries, food kiosks and upgraded pathways. Historic structures within the fort precinct will be conserved, while modern visitor facilities will be added to enhance the overall tourism experience.

Officials are also installing CCTV surveillance , public announcement systems, emergency call boxes, waste management facilities and fort-wide electrification to ensure safety and sustainability. A dedicated operations team and a three-year maintenance contract have been put in place to oversee long-term management of the destination.

Krishna Rao said the government is simultaneously developing an integrated Yadadri–Kolanupaka–Bhongir–Swarnagiri tourism circuit , which is expected to boost visitor footfall, generate employment and create new economic opportunities in the region. With heritage conservation and modern infrastructure moving forward together, the Bhongir Fort project is being positioned as a flagship initiative in Telangana's broader tourism expansion strategy under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy .